2. Poor Skills. There is a chance your manager may have the best intentions; however, they do not have the right level of training. They either lack the skills required, had a poor mentor themselves or simply do not have the “management style” personality required to lead a team with success. There is a theory called the Peter Principle. This principle explains that an individual who thrives in a role gets promoted, they do well and get promoted once again, and the cycle continues. With each promotion, a different skill is required to be used. Eventually they reach a level of promotion/position of employment they can no longer perform as they do not have the relevant skills needed. It becomes too complicated and instead of thriving, they fail in their jobs. People are not born managers. They tend to grow into the role – experience and years behind them allow them to level up until they reach the top and/or as far as they can go. For some, management level is simply one level too far up the food chain and they cannot handle the pressure and responsibilities. We all want to grow in our careers, it is part of human nature – it comes from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory where once our basic needs are met, we seek more…eventually we seek self-actualisation, meaning we seek our highest self and abilities.
3. Ill Equipped. Slightly different to point 2, in this example, the manager is a one-man band. It’s a small company and they cannot afford to pay for HR or another manager to run the show. So, they are wearing multiple hats – they are the accountant, marketing and even team leader.
We cannot be proficient in everything. Roles such as Human Resource Analysts, Accountants, PR, Administration, Marketing, and even Leadership and Management have their own specific courses for individuals to study. We focus on one career/position/job and study to become skillful in it. The objective is to become an expert and the best we can be in our chosen field. Consequently, when we deal with a manager who wears more than one hat, it increases the chances of poor leadership. It can even be that said manager may not realise their behaviour is impactful in a negative way due to the fact they have not had the relevant training and support behind them and become overwhelmed with the multiple roles they are required to fulfil. They may mean well but simply do not have the manpower and skills to do what is right.
If you want to discuss your personal career and its progression, reach out to us at My Career Angels, to discuss Career Change Coaching and see what position(s) would suit you and how to get there.
